22/10/2012

Families To Sue Over McAreavey Murder

The families of John and Michaela McAreavey are to sue the hotel in Mauritius where Michaela’s murder took place.

The amount being claimed by the Harte and McAreavey families is thought to total £1.3m. The Case is expected to be heard by the Mauritian Supreme Court on 15 November.

Mrs McAreavey, 27, was the daughter of renowned Tyrone GAA coach Mickey Harte.

She was murdered while on her honeymoon at the Legends Hotel on the island in 2011.

The families have said that any money claimed would go towards the Michaela Foundation to help needy children.

The damages and expenses are reported to be £18,000 for the cost of Mrs McAreavey's funeral, £16,000 for flight expenses, £25,000 for legal expenses and professional £10,000 for counselling services.

Mrs McAreavey's projected earnings and moral damages bring the total amount to £1.3m.

Two hotel workers accused of her murder were cleared earlier this year. The trial of former Legends employees Sandip Moneea, 43, and Avinash Treebhoowoon, 32, lasted over seven weeks and was one of the longest in Mauritian history.

Northern Ireland Attorney General John Larkin is reported to be examining the papers from the trial.

Mrs McAreavey’s funeral was attended by thousands of mourners and took place near the family home in Ballygawley, County Tyrone.

The 27-year-old had married John McAreavey just 12 days before she was murdered. She was buried in her wedding dress.

(IT/CD)

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